Determinants of table egg production in Abia state, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined the determinants of table egg production activities in Abia State, Nigeria. Information on some relevant production inputs in 3 local government areas of Abia State (Umuahia North, South and Ikwuano) were collected from 65 respondents selected using multistage random sampling techniques. Majority of the respondents (74%) had tertiary education, while about 3% had no formal education and another 5% had primary education. More than 88% of the respondents were married while about 34% had average household size of 2 – 5 persons. The study revealed that two variables namely number of birds used and cost of feed were significant determinants of egg production. The elasticity of production to input use was found to be elastic while the returns to sale was increasing. Number of birds and cost of feed were being used below their economic optimum level, while labor and poultry equipment were being over-utilized above their economic optimum. Recommendations were suggested on measures to positively influence the production of table eggs.

Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 2(2) 2006: 76-80